Testosterone is the primary male hormone and is naturally produced by the body, in the greatest quantity, in the testes. Testosterone levels begin to decrease around the age of thirty and will gradually decline as a man ages. This decline in men’s testosterone can be potentiated by environmental and lifestyle factors and will lead to many unwanted health issues.

Q: What are the symptoms of hypogonadism (“low testosterone” or “low T”)?

Fatigue

Loss of muscle mass

Fat gain

Poor recovery

Irritability

Depression

Decreased memory

Lack of libido

Erectile Dysfunction

Q: What diseases and conditions are associated with hypogonadism?

Cardiovascular disease

Cancer

Diabetes

Metabolic Syndrome X

Muscle loss

Osteoporosis

Depression

Dementia (including Alzheimer’s)

Erectile Dysfunction

Q: Is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helpful in treating these diseases and conditions?

Absolutely, raising hormone levels can reduce the risk of developing, or dramatically improve symptoms, or even eliminates the disease or symptom completely. Scientific studies have shown that TRT does this for every single one of the above listed diseases and/or symptoms.

Test yourself for low testosterone

Q: Is TRT dangerous?

No, literally millions of men, from all over the world, have enjoyed the benefits of TRT. To date, we have not found a single case of appropriate TRT hurting anyone.

Q: Can TRT give me cancer?

Absolutely not, in fact, appropriate TRT has been shown to reduce your risk of cancer, probably due to its immune system boosting benefits.

Q: What are the common negative side effects of TRT?

When TRT is performed correctly there are few and mild side effects. The most common side effects (and these are no big deal and easily treated) we see at our office are mild water retention, elevated red blood cell count, and elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Q: My doctor tested my testosterone levels and because it was within the normal range, he said I do not need TRT. Is that right?

The “normal” reference range for Total Testosterone is typically 300-1200 and is found through statistical means, meant to include 95% of all adult males. This four fold range is outrageous because it means that two men, one with 300 for a level, and another with 1200, are both “normal”. Even though the second man has 4 times the testosterone as the other. This is another reason to see a board certified physician to oversee hormone therapies.

Q: Can any adult male with low or low-normal testosterone levels get TRT?

No, men who have either prostate or breast cancer are not candidates for undergoing TRT.

Q: If I go on TRT, how will it change my life?

Most men report dramatic increases in quality of life. They have much more energy, better stamina, increased muscle and decreased fat, and an improvement in their ability to concentrate and remember things. All of a sudden they are being active well into the evening again, enjoy great sex, can catch up to the grandkids, and hit that golf ball 40 yards further. Sexual performance also improves and TRT may even reverse erectile dysfunction (ED). Our TRT patients tell us they have regained their “edge” and feel and look younger. All of these improvements are in addition to the dramatic decreases in the risks for the serious diseases.

Q: If I go on TRT, is it forever?

No, you can always stop yet you will go back to feeling the way you used to.

Q: Is TRT the same thing as doing steroids?

No. Doing steroids means taking testosterone in excessive amounts pushing testosterone levels tremendously above the normal range. This is detrimental to health and Protea does not support this practice. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), on the other hand, is merely restoring, or optimizing, testosterone levels to healthy range. Studies have shown that men get healthier, and happier, as they approach the top of normal range. They also tend to stay that way much longer.

Q: How does someone perform TRT treatment? Shots? Creams? Pellets?

There are several different methods for administering TRT: testosterone gels and creams, patches, pills, implantable pellets and injections. Each has their respective benefits, and shortcomings. The optimal testosterone delivery system to use has as much to do with each individual’s lifestyle as it does the medical condition. That is why this decision will be made after your consultation with the physician.

Q: I asked my doctor about possibly getting on TRT. Their office told me I should not get TRT, because it is natural for men to have their testosterone levels drop as they age. Is that true?

With respect, yes, yet you might want to ask your doctor is he/she prescribes thyroid hormones to patients when they are low (hypothyroidism)? Or if when insulin gets too low (diabetes) they prescribe insulin? Why should it be any different for the sex hormones? Hormone replacement can provide amazing improvement in a man’s life and is an important part of healthy aging.

Q: Why should I choose to enlist the help of a genuine Anti-Aging Medicine physician (ABAAHP or ABAARM) to test for hypogonadism, and administer my TRT?

Medicine is too big for one mind and doctors must choose specialties. There are so many new developments in this exciting kind of medicine that you want someone who is specially trained to oversee your care. Ask your physician if they are board certified and don’t leave your health to chance.

Q: How do I start TRT?

The best place to start is to call Protea Medical Center at 480-557-9095 to make an appointment with one of our doctors for a full evaluation. Your privacy is our priority so please answer all questions honestly. This honesty will help our physician design the ideally individualized program to optimize your health.

Q: How long will the office visit take?

Your initial visit takes about 30 minutes.

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Q: How much does the testosterone cost?

Depends on the program the doctor suggests, yet the cost of a single injection of testosterone is only $30. To see more pricing click here.

Q: When will I know my testosterone lab results?

Results take about 1-2 days to process. The office will call you with results as soon as they arrive.

That is the end of our online Q&A. Give us a call to schedule and appointment with one of our physicians at 480-557-9095.